Mr. Charlie Lee Payne was born on June 12, 1929 in Forsyth County, NC to the late Ellis and Della Spease Payne. He was the youngest of five children who all preceded him in death.

He passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

He attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools and was a 1948 graduate of Carver High School. He started his baseball career in early childhood with the Tobaccoville Titans, and later became a distinguished baseball coach and official umpire. A dedicated employee of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, he retired after 41 years of service.

He was a faithful member of Center Grove AME Zion Church, serving on the Men's Booster Ministry, Finance Committee and as chairman of the Trustee Board. He was District President of the Winston-Salem District Usher Board of the AME Zion Church for over 20 years. He loved his church. He had a passion for "ushering" persons into God's house.

Mr. Payne was also preceded in death by his wife, Martha Hart Payne and their daughter, Karla Payne.

He is survived by his daughter, Janice Payne (Sherman Beatty, who was also a devoted friend); granddaughters: Nihya Payne (Clark) Russell and Taylor Payne (David Jennings); great grandson, Cameron Payne; sister-in-law, Mary Frances Payne of Tobaccoville, NC; loving niece, Rev. Belinda Harris; special niece and nephew, Cheryl Perry-Jones and Bobby Perry, Jr.; a host of other nieces and nephews; special friend, Gwendolyn Dianne Harding.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Center Grove AME Zion Church. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Please practice social distancing. Face masks required. Interment in the church cemetery.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here